Hemp can be an effective bait for fishing, particularly for species like carp, chub, and bream. Hemp seeds are the most commonly used part of the hemp plant for fishing bait. Here's how you can prepare and use hemp as bait:
Ingredients:
- Hemp seeds
- Water
- A saucepan
- A bait box or container
Steps:
- Soak the Hemp Seeds: Start by placing the desired amount of hemp seeds in a saucepan. You can use as many seeds as you think you'll need for your fishing trip. It's common to soak at least a couple of cups of hemp seeds.
- Rinse and Drain: Fill the saucepan with water and rinse the seeds thoroughly. Drain the water. This process helps remove some of the natural oils that can make the seeds float.
- Add Water: After rinsing, cover the seeds with fresh water. The water should be at least a couple of inches above the seeds. Hemp seeds can absorb a lot of water, so make sure you have enough.
- Cook the Hemp Seeds: Place the saucepan on the stove and bring the water to a boil. Once it's boiling, reduce the heat and let the seeds simmer. Simmering time can vary but is typically around 30 to 60 minutes. Check the seeds regularly, and add more water if needed to keep them covered.
- Check for Readiness: To check if the hemp seeds are ready, take a few out and squeeze them between your fingers. They should break easily and expose a white, soft interior. If they're still hard, continue simmering and checking until they're soft.
- Cool and Store: Once the hemp seeds are soft and ready, remove them from the heat and allow them to cool. Once cooled, you can place them in a bait box or container. They are now ready for use as bait.
Using Hemp Bait:
- Hemp seeds can be used as hook bait or as part of a groundbait mix. To use as hook bait, thread a few hemp seeds onto your fishing hook. You can use a baiting needle to make this process easier.
- Hemp seeds are also often mixed with other groundbait ingredients, such as breadcrumbs, pellets, and spices, to create an attractive bait mixture. This groundbait can be thrown into the water to attract fish to your fishing spot.
Remember to check your local fishing regulations regarding the use of hemp as bait, as some areas may have specific rules governing bait types and quantities. Additionally, consider experimenting with different bait combinations to see what works best for the specific fish species you're targeting.